A hideaway for creatures great and small at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

With the latest figures from The State of Nature Report (September 2016) revealing that 50% of the UK’s native species are in decline and 15% are at risk of extinction, Dorset-based master hutmaker, Plankbridge, will demonstrate how its Victorian-inspired shepherd’s huts can work in harmony with a wildlife friendly garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Drawing inspiration from the agricultural heritage of shepherd’s huts, which would have been a firm fixture on the countryside’s landscape during the 19th Century, this 12’ by 6’6” moveable space, built faithfully to the Victorian originals, sits well within its natural surroundings and offers the perfect bolthole for reconnecting with nature.

Enabling wildlife friendly gardeners to extend the use of their gardens throughout the year, this shepherd’s hut also adds to the welcoming environment for birds, bees and butterflies alike, with the addition of bird boxes, bug hotels and log piles around its exterior.

Botanical prints, inspired by The Country Flowers of a Victorian Lady, adorn the soft furnishings and interior walls, while a knee-hole desk for binoculars and shelves packed with books about wildlife make this the ideal retreat for bird watching, counting bugs and planning the season’s wildlife friendly planting.

The Plankbridge wildlife watch shepherd’s hut will be on display at Tradestand AR586 on Monday 22 May for Press Day and then for the public to see from Tuesday 23 – Saturday 27 May 2017.

For more information about Plankbridge Hutmakers, visit www.plankbridge.com.